Iowa’s Scherff among nation’s top linemen

August 8, 2014

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Brandon Scherff garnered national attention in the most unlikely way imaginable - at least for an Iowa player.

Scherff went viral on Twitter.

Coach Kirk Ferentz doesn't even allow his players to use the social media site. But Hawkeyes strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle recently posted a video last month of Scherff performing three lifts of 443 pounds from his knees to his shoulders as teammates watched in amazement.

It was a 30-second glimpse into why many consider Scherff the best lineman in the country.

The 6-foot-5, 320-pound senior's blend of strength and athleticism is why he's expected to be the third Iowa tackle in six years to be taken in the first round of the NFL draft. Scherff was expected to be a first-rounder after last season, but he surprised many by returning to school.

"I thought he was one of the better players you could find in college football a year ago. And we expect him to be a better player this year, and I think he expects that from himself," Ferentz said.